New High-Tech Transfer Pathway Connects OCC and SU

Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University signed a Direct Transfer Admission Program Agreement which will give successful OCC students a guaranteed path into STEM-related programs at SU which may lead to employment at Micron or other high-tech companies.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Students who complete their OCC degrees with a minimum 3.0 grade point average will be eligible to transfer into one of the following colleges at SU and complete their bachelor's degrees in four semesters: Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Computer Science, Information Studies, or Professional Studies.
• OCC students who complete their degree with a 3.25 grade point average or higher will be awarded a minimum $10,000 merit-based scholarship.
• While attending OCC, students in the Direct Transfer Admission Program will receive continuous advising to ensure they are on a successful path.
• SU and OCC will work together to recruit students for the Direct Transfer Admission Program in the Syracuse City School District and other regional school districts.

This fall OCC will begin offering two new Micron-related programs:

• Electromechanical Technology A.A.S.
  • This is a two-year degree program focused on the troubleshooting of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Electromechanical Technology certificate program
  • This is a one-year certificate program which touches on the foundational skills and knowledge in the two-year degree program and prepares students for entry-level work. Credits earned can be put toward the two-year Electromechanical Technology A.A.S. degree.

These new programs join OCC's existing Engineering Science (Associate of Science) and Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science (Associate of Science) transfer degree programs that support this new Direct Transfer Admission Program between OCC and SU.

Micron plans to invest $100 billion dollars in the region, building a computer chip making place in the Onondaga County Town of Clay. The facility will include 4 chip fabs, each of which will employ 1,000 technicians and 1,000 engineers. The technician position will require an associate degree (two-year degree), the engineer position will require a bachelor's degree (four-year degree).

"We're honored to partner with Syracuse University on this Direct Transfer Admission Program. As the community's college, we are committed to giving students access to higher education pathways, and ultimately the opportunity to enjoy rewarding careers. This agreement gives our students a clearly defined pathway to one of the top institutions in the country, and we are proud to collaborate with Syracuse University for the betterment of our students and the Central New York region," said OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton.

Syracuse University is proud to partner with Onondaga Community College to offer a new pathway to prepare students for emerging careers," said Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. "To fully take advantage of the economic opportunities developing in the region, we need a workforce with the training and knowledge to meet the needs of emerging industries. This new agreement makes it easier for learners from OCC to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities available at Syracuse University while building a ready workforce for the region's employers."

"We appreciate the tireless work of our innovative faculty who have built more than 20 new programs in health and human services, STEM and advanced technologies, and the liberal arts. Our programs respond to local economic needs and prepare people for careers across New York state and around the world," said OCC Provost and Senior Vice President Anastasia Urtz.

"This partnership reflects the University's commitment not only to expanding academic excellence in STEM and other areas, but also to growing and strengthening our local community and embracing economic opportunities for our students and alumni," said Gretchen Ritter, Syracuse University's Vice Chancellor, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer.